Deputy Principal

Italian Study Tour – Faith and Manners

Following on from last week I would like to explore two important aspects that I witnessed while on the recent Italian Study Tour.

The first is faith. You would be hard pressed to go to Italy and not deepen your own faith. The architecture of the Duomos around Italy are simply breathtaking. While we often marvel at modern architecture here in Australia, nothing compares to these churches that were built hundreds of years ago. We think we are pioneers in engineering however, I think we could learn a lot from the construction of the buildings in cities all throughout Italy.

Being part of the St Patrick’s College community, a Catholic community and visiting Italy, another catholic community, was very spiritual. Our young men engaged in their own spirituality on a deeper level and were able to unpack Catholic tradition, architecture and their understanding of their own faith and others. It was our young men who continued to ask questions, they continued to press us to find more church services to attend. Seeing young men engage with their faith certainly gives me hope for the future as it is our faith that grounds our young men with their moral compass.

Secondly, I would like to talk about manners. Often these days in our society, young adolescent males attract negative reporting in the media and in our local community. However, I would like to challenge that after my experience travelling with twenty-nine adolescent males throughout Italy for three weeks. 

These young men were not only a credit to their families and the College, but just as important they were a credit to themselves. Every day throughout the three weeks that we were overseas, they could not do enough to help, and they went out of their way to look after each other and the staff. They never had to be asked to be on time, or be where they were supposed to be, they just did it. Travelling in close confines for three weeks can test the best of us. What impressed me the most was that they looked out for each other, they built each other up. They were self-aware that when someone was having an off day they checked in and asked them if they were okay while also respecting that person’s space. 

Hearing each day from the Principal of the British School and the parents of our host families describe our young men as exceptionally well mannered, engaging, and proactive in helping around the house, made me so proud to be a part of this community. I have written before in the Especean and called out poor behaviour from some young men in our community. It is just as important to recognise in the eyes of our community that we have exceptional young men who are faith filled, have a strong moral compass and are well parented. Going on a tour like this gives us all a true sense of what a liberating education encompasses. It was a pleasure being able to walk with these young men on our journey throughout Italy. They taught me so much and I was blessed to accompany them.

I would also like to thank the parents who entrusted us with looking after your sons for three weeks. We certainly got to know them on a deeper level, and I am sure you are so proud of them.

Lastly, I would like to thank the staff who gave up their time to enhance the education of our young men. 

Ms Stephanie D’Arcangeli, who worked tirelessly to get this trip up and running, without her none of this would have been possible. She is an amazing leader of languages and an exceptional educator. We are all eternally grateful for your vision, planning, and execution of the tour and for bringing us all home safely. 

Ms Annelise Macolino, your endless enthusiasm was infectious, your ability to sort out any technical issue with phones and computers was second to none. Your general care for our young men is a true testament to what an amazing teacher you are for the young men at this College. 

My thanks is also extended to Ms Natalie Rocca. Having someone who not only speaks the language but has a deep understanding of not only our own faith but of other religions was a true blessing. Your passion for your teaching subject is amazing and the connections you made with our young men was evident in the fact that they kept coming back to ask you more questions. I am eternally grateful to our tour staff and students for the privilege of allowing me to share this experience with them.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal